What is a Health Benefit Exchange?

A Health Benefit Exchange is a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that creates a new marketplace for each state to offer health benefits to individuals, families and small businesses. Under national health reform, states were required to have an Exchange in place by Jan. 1, 2014. Exchanges can be developed and implemented by the state or by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Washington State chose to implement a state-based exchange model.

About the Washington Health Benefit Exchange

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange was created in state statute in 2011 as a “public-private partnership,” separate and distinct from the state. The Exchange is responsible for the creation of Washington Healthplanfinder, an easily accessible, online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to find, compare and enroll in Qualified Health Plans. Washington Healthplanfinder offers Washington State residents:

Side-by-side comparisons of Qualified Health Plans

Tax credits or financial help to pay for copays and premiums

Expert customer support online, by phone or in-person through a local organization or insurance broker.